Meet Shawn Lovings | Author, Educator, and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shawn Lovings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shawn, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
From educator to CEO, my passion has allowed me to serve my community in many roles including author, educator, businessman, and father. I realized that the most powerful way that I could influence children was through learning experiences filled with wonder and intrigue. My experiences make me uniquely qualified to teach values such as manners, confidence, and socialization through fun workshops infused with creative art lessons. The art of etiquette was born in my classroom. While watching my students complete a Thanksgiving assignment. I began studying how excited they were to create their own table-setting placemat. Then, I thought I would teach them how to set the table for the holiday. My students came back to school full of excitement, telling me how their parents didn’t know how to set the table. I loved the confidence they exuded while teaching their parents what they learned. That my friend is how the Art of Etiquette was born.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Shawn D. Lovings is dedicated to educating and uplifting our community. For more than two decades, Lovings has been a leader in business providing marketing strategies to individuals and businesses who have sought his knowledge and connections. His passion for educating youth started as a new career opportunity, that has now become a passion. Lovings is known for his groundbreaking advertising and marketing campaigns for two of America’s leading Black lifestyle magazines, Upscale and Uptown. In 2003, He became the CEO and Founder of Core Consulting and Marketing Group, bringing with him an impressive list of contacts and clients such as Gallo Winery, Moet Hennessy, Jack Daniels, General Motors, Lincoln-Mercury, Images USA, and Black Entertainment Television. Being the driving force behind the development of CCMG’s objectives, policies, and initiatives allowed Lovings to grow CCMG into one of Atlanta’s most sought-after agencies. While leading CCMG, Lovings was named General Manager for his client, Uptown Magazine to direct brand management and business development for Metro Atlanta.

Lovings is committed to giving back to the community and is the Co-Founder of My Style Matters Inc., a non-profit organization whose primary focus is to ease the journey for people with cancer as well as their caretakers. He is the author of “Mind Your Manners with Mr. Lovings” a book and program that teaches manners and etiquette to kids while also incorporating artistic instruction to help young people learn how to conduct themselves in a variety of environments without shame, and fear, or anxiety. As a young man, Shawn personally knows the importance of education in manners and social skills gives kids a leg up in life. Growing up his grandmother taught him how to set the table for Thanksgiving. This was the beginning of his lesson in manners. The success of this course has caught the attention of the media and has now allowed him to partner with Atlanta Public Schools and other organizations to share this program.

In his spare time, Lovings volunteers with President Obama’s I Am My Brother’s Keeper Jonesboro, Georgia Chapter, and Hosea Feed the Hungry. He is also the President of KingStreets, LLC, an economic community and human development web portal which provides references, resources, and support to cities nationwide that have streets named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has been an active board member of Mothers Rebuilding Atlanta and a fundraiser and sponsorship chair for the National Black Arts Festival, which is a passion for Lovings who truly loves and appreciates the Arts.

Shawn is a native of St. Louis, MO, and currently lives in Atlanta, GA where he has raised his beautiful daughter, Sierra. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Jackson State University in Advertising & Communication with a strong emphasis on the Arts. His daughter is also a recent graduate of JSU as well. Earning a Bio-Chemical Engineering degree.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Red Phone Booth, located in the iconic Dailey’s building downtown, features an exclusive cigar program and turn-of-the-century craft cocktail selection. The Bureau is a trendy speakeasy that can be accessed through KR SteakBar and a side entrance. If there is a red light bulb on over the door, the place is open.
Cam Newton’s Fellaship on Thursdays is on point. FYI DRESS CODE STRICTLY ENFORCED
ALL: Business casual attire is strongly recommended. No ball caps, basketball sneakers, or athletic wear.
On Sundays only, sports jerseys are accepted.
SlushATL is a full-service tapas restaurant, craft cocktail, and frozen drink concept.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this to Michelle Robinson, for her outpour of support, steadfast commitment, love, and dedication will not be forgotten.

Website: www.artofetiquette.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_ofetiquette/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-lovings-5a79366/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Art_ofEtiquette

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Art-of-Etiquette-102998921964287

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBArwYaVzgTCwhUmaKa9S4g

Image Credits
Photographer Brian Christian (Studio Photos) Stylist Cherise Beasley